Titus 3:8-15

8: This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
9: But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
10: Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,
11: knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

12: When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13: Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them.
14: Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

15: All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

*** 

The trustworthy statement Paul mentioned here is what he just said about the mercy of God being poured out richly upon us, bringing the washing, renewing, and justification of the Holy Spirit to us so we would be made heirs of eternal life (Titus 3:4-7). Our salvation is not based on our own good deeds, yet he told Titus to speak about this confidently so those who had believed God would be careful to engage in good deeds.

It is good and profitable to do good deeds. Not that we try and earn our salvation by them, but we do them because we have been saved. These deeds are profitable, but foolish arguments and genealogies (1 Timothy 1:4), and disputes about the Law are not profitable, but worthless.

Paul said to warn a person who had veered off the path of sound doctrine. If he continued, he was not to be listened to, and definitely not made an elder. Paul told Titus to reject a factious man after warning him twice.

He closed the letter asking Titus to come visit, once Artemas or Tychicus got there to take his place. He asked him to help Zenas the lawyer (a Jewish scribe and civil lawyer who retained his title after conversion to Christianity) and Apollos (Acts 18:24). He wanted to be sure they had what they needed and, once again, said the people must learn to meet pressing needs.

To look beyond one's own needs, and support the work of God, shows the fruit of the life of God within. When we offer the fruit of our labors for the work of God and His kingdom, we display an understanding and maturity in the faith. Paul closed the letter with greetings and grace.



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